Reader DIY: Futon Frame Turned Into Garden Gate

Reader Melodie sent in pictures of her futon/garden gate hack: Dear ATNY, I just turned a broken futon frame (thrown out by neighbor college students) into a front garden gate. The sturdy hinge between the two pieces made it a perfect candidate for a gate. As you can see from the detail pics, I added a 2"x2" to the side that I bolted to the post...

...There are also two pieces of lattice I used for spacers. I left the futon spacers on the bottom because it lifted it just high enough off the ground for water and leaves to run under. Because I did this project myself – maybe not a great idea – it wasn't as straight or as stable as I would have liked. So, a used eye hooks, 3/16" wire and a toggle bolt to pull the posts closer together. It also put more pressure on the stationary side, making it more stable. I'll probably have my husband put a bolt into the concrete step on the stationary side to make it even more stable. As you can see, it swings in and out. If I hadn't been in such a hurry to get it finished, I would have stained it first and let it dry completely. But, in my haste, I stained the part that would be bolted to the post and then carried it from the garage to the front. It's a heavy piece and so I made quite a mess of my arms and hands. Once I had it bolted securely to the post, I stained the rest.

So, with two people, this would be a relatively easy project. The next futon frame I find will become the gate next to our garage. This time, it will have a double hinge so it will open the full width, allowing us to easily get a wheelbarrow into the yard.